Eid truce: Pakistan and Afghanistan temporarily halt military operations after deadly Kabul strike

The Afghan Taliban government has announced a temporary suspension of its military operations against Pakistan, spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid said in a post on X, signaling a reciprocal move by Kabul. This comes shortly after Pakistan on Wednesday announced a temporary pause in its military operations against Afghanistan, according to a Reuters report quoting information minister Attaullah Tarar.The minister had said the decision was taken in view of Eid, and also following requests from Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.There was no immediate clarity on the duration of the pause or whether further de-escalation measures are under consideration.The development comes amid heightened tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border after Kabul attack that killed over 400 people.The site in Kabul hit by a Pakistani airstrike this week was used for storing drones and military grade ordnance, and to train suicide bombers, the Pakistani military said on Wednesday.The strike was the deadliest in an escalating conflict between the two neighbours, now in its third week. Afghan officials have put the death toll at 408 people, with 265 wounded. The toll could not be independently verified.